Tyler Condit set career tackling records for the University of New Haven, Northeast-10 Conference

Linebacker set school, NE-10 records at UNH

Published 8:52 pm, Wednesday, November 2, 2016

WEST HAVEN >> To fully appreciate Tyler Condit’s proficiency as a linebacker, all one needs to do is break down his tackling statistics into the simplest terms.

Ten tackles in a single game is considered a momentous occasion for a defensive player. Condit has played 42 career games at the University of New Haven and made 424 tackles. That averages out to 10 for every game he’s played the past four years.

When you consider he spent his freshman season as a reserve, recording only 42 tackles before winning a starting role as a sophomore, the per-game average jumps to 12.3.

Condit, a senior from Caldwell, New Jersey, set school and Northeast-10 Conference records for career tackles in the Chargers 35-0 victory at AIC last Saturday. Two games remain in his All-American career, the regular-season finale against Bentley on Saturday at DellaCamera Stadium and an NE-10 playoff game the following week.

While proud of the mark, Condit explains the record is merely a result of the work being done by New Haven’s defensive linemen.

“People see this record and they think, wow, that kid has a lot of tackles,” Condit said. “But if you look at the guys around me, they’re making my job so easy. The guys in front of me and the guys around me are really good.”

Condit already holds several school and national records. His 160 total tackles last season was a school record, and he holds NCAA Division II marks in assisted tackles for a single game (21) and a single season (109).

New Haven’s old record for career tackles – 422 set by linebacker Erik Lesinski – stood firm since 1987. Condit, who recorded over 400 tackles as an all-state linebacker in New Jersey, wasn’t heavily recruited outside of New Haven for what other college coaches perceived as a lack of size and speed.

Chris Pincince, New Haven’s head coach the past three seasons, said Condit’s tireless work ethic is at the root of his success.

“Whether it be in the weight room or in the classroom, he’s put the time and energy into being the best he can be,” Pincince said. “He’s not 6-2, 250 pounds; he doesn’t run like a deer. So he’s really done an unbelievable job of outworking people in the weight room and from a technique standpoint and understanding what offenses are going to run against us. He’s also one of the tougher people you’ll ever meet.”

The all-time Division II record of 517 tackles, set by Winona State’s Deric Sieck in 2003, is out of reach. Condit needs 10 tackles in the final two games to leap into the top 10. But the final numbers and individual achievement aren’t his concern.

Condit, who will explore opportunities to play overseas and hopes to eventually become a coach, is focused on finishing his career with two victories.

“The goals we set out for at the beginning of the season aren’t in front of us anymore,” Condit said. “But we still have two more football games to play. Especially for me, as a senior, that’s something truly special. Not everyone can say they have two college games in front of them. I’m just trying to make the most of it.”

PLAYOFF RIVALS?

Assumption and LIU Post clinched spots in NE-10 championship game, leaving the rest of the field to fight it out for third place. Should New Haven and Southern Connecticut State take care of business on Saturday, they’ll meet in the third-place game on Nov. 10 at DellaCamera Stadium.

This weekend, the Chargers play host to Bentley; SCSU is home against St. Anselm. Both games begin at noon. Here are the potential scenarios for the locals:

If New Haven wins, it will play host to Southern for third place, even if the Owls lose. That’s because Southern holds the tiebreaker with Bentley, the other team currently tied for third in the standings.

If both lose, New Haven is at Bentley in the third place game; Southern plays host to either AIC or Stonehill for fifth place.

If New Haven loses and Southern wins, New Haven plays host to AIC or Stonehill for fifth place while Southern plays host to Bentley for third place.

ANDERSON HURTING

New Haven senior tailback Andre Anderson still leads the NE-10 in rushing despite missing last week’s game with a foot injury. He’s been unable to practice this week and his status for Saturday remains in doubt.

“He’s been banged up with various injuries all year, and I don’t know what he’s going to be able to give us this week or in the future,” Pincince said. “It’s a shame. He’s still a dynamic player, but he hasn’t played one football game for us at 100 percent. I don’t think he’s been able to play a full game this year. I’m sure he’s disappointed as well.”

Anderson, the Register’s Male Athlete of the Year for the 2012-13 school year, is first in the conference with 742 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He’s second in all-purpose yards with 1,172, which includes receiving and kickoff return yardage.